CHILAS: A cloudburst in Khunbari Valley of district Diamer triggered flash floods that destroyed dozens of houses, standing crops, orchards and link roads, local officials said.
According to police and district administration reports, heavy rains and a cloudburst in the upper and remote areas of Diamer caused destructive floods. Khunbari Valley in Chilas suffered the worst damage as floodwaters swept away trees, timber and debris, damaging homes and destroying orchards and farmland.
Officials said flood conditions also developed in Manikal, Shahi Mahal, Bichhe Nala and Lancher valleys of Tehsil Darel, causing widespread destruction.
Police officials warned that floodwaters completely destroyed roads and routes at several points, cutting off land access to the remote valleys. Road closures have created a severe shortage of food and ration supplies in Khunbari Valley.
Residents of Khunbari and Darel have appealed to the government to restore blocked roads on an emergency basis to reach stranded families.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority Diamer teams were mobilized after reports of the damage and relief operations have started in the affected upper areas. PDMA officials said efforts are underway to shift survivors to safe locations and deliver immediate aid, but blocked routes are creating serious difficulties for rescue teams.
